Bruno Posted February 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 10, 2014 lots of good things to consider. So next question, what test kits do I want to do this right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekbottom Posted February 10, 2014 Report Share Posted February 10, 2014 I use the regular API freshwater kit, a kH and gH kit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckmullin Posted February 10, 2014 Report Share Posted February 10, 2014 (edited) As example: http://www.homesalive.ca/nutrafin-mini-master-test-kit.html?fee=5&fep=1156&utm_source=Google_Feed_xml&utm_medium=Google_Feed_xml&utm_name=Google_Feed_xml&gclid=CK6qi-OkwrwCFQlhfgodtDAAcw Get iron as well as phosphate. All tests are standard to some degree. Don't get the strips...get the drop tests. Edited February 10, 2014 by ckmullin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruno Posted February 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 10, 2014 Sorry, should have said 'besides the api freshwater master I already use' Just wondering if there are tests I 'should' be doing right away, or if tests like iron, phosphate, gh, kh etc are more of a concern as you move away from low tech? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvision Posted February 10, 2014 Report Share Posted February 10, 2014 I use plants as my test... I bought a test kit for my aquaponics system last year, but other than that I haven't used a test kit in over a decade. If your plants are healthy and algae isn't a problem, then all is good. If you're noticing something off, there are a few good threads with some links Pinned in the Planted Tank Forum that'll tell you exactly what's wrong. When I see something off a bit, I first add more CO2, then a bit more KNO3 - those two things typically solve most problems in a planted tank, IME. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvision Posted February 10, 2014 Report Share Posted February 10, 2014 Sorry, I should also mention that I run an Estimative Index fertilizing system. It works great for growing plants for the lazy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckmullin Posted February 10, 2014 Report Share Posted February 10, 2014 One thing Jvision had also said KNO3. Take a look at dry ferts as you'll save $ over time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mahawka Posted February 10, 2014 Report Share Posted February 10, 2014 +1 sunblasters. I use them for all my tanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruno Posted February 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 10, 2014 If you wanted more info on the internet I can provide dozens of links on for various aspects on planted tank. I'd love those links please as far as substrate goes, anyone know of a cheap place to get it (assuming flourite for example) or am I stuck paying whatever the LFS charges? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishclubgirl Posted February 10, 2014 Report Share Posted February 10, 2014 You do know you get a discount at Pisces, riverfront and Big Als as a CAS member?? Also make sure you get the right Kelvin temperature for the bulbs and don't forget vals and hygrophilias for lower light too!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckmullin Posted February 10, 2014 Report Share Posted February 10, 2014 If you wanted more info on the internet I can provide dozens of links on for various aspects on planted tank. I'd love those links please I'll get things together this evening and pass them along. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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